Omar Dean Unveiled As Lead For Dubai’s First Grand Musical 'Once Upon A Time In Dubai'

In a remarkable development from Dubai, Omar Dean, an Australian artist of Lebanese descent known for his appearances on The X Factor Australia and The Voice Middle East, has been unveiled as the star of the emirate's first grand musical, Once Upon A Time in Dubai. This announcement, made at Instagram Headquarters in Dubai, also coincided with the release and first showing of the music video for the musical's lead single, "Stranger in the World".

Producer Stephane Boukris, hailing from France and with a successful track record in the entertainment industry, praised Dean's selection, stating, "Omar brings a unique blend of passion, talent, and global appeal that perfectly aligns with the essence of this musical. His journey as an artist mirrors Dubai's story—a place where dreams are realised and creativity knows no bounds. We couldn't be more thrilled to have him as the face and voice of this production."

The event was not just a formal announcement but also a showcase of the musical's artistic depth, featuring a live performance of "Stranger in the World" by Dean. His powerful rendition underscored the emotional and artistic richness he brings to the role. Dean remarked, "It's an absolute honour to be chosen as the lead for Once Upon A Time in Dubai. This musical is more than just a production; it's a celebration of everything Dubai represents—hope, ambition, and unity. I'm deeply humbled to play a part in bringing this extraordinary story to life and to share it with audiences around the globe."

The musical's score, crafted by European composer Nazim Khaled, promises to be a blend of global hits and narrative-driven songs. With over 4 billion views globally, Khaled's compositions are set to elevate the musical's appeal. The direction by Johan Nus, recognized for his work in the Middle East on shows like Arabs Got Talent and The Masked Singer, alongside executive producer Gilles Papain, known for his work on prestigious international shows, assures a production of the highest quality.

Once Upon A Time in Dubai narrates the tale of Will, a young London artist who moves to Dubai with dreams of producing a spectacular musical alongside his partner, Sophia. The story weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the vibrant cultural tapestry of Dubai, promising an immersive experience for its audience.

Set for a premiere in December 2025, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is positioned as a cultural landmark, reflecting the spirit and ambition of the emirate. With plans for at least 150,000 spectators in Dubai, an international tour, and a screen adaptation, the musical is poised to become Dubai's first global theatrical sensation. "Dubai is ready to share its story with the world, and Once Upon A Time in Dubai promises to be the stage where dreams come alive," Boukris stated, highlighting the project's scale and its potential impact on Dubai's cultural scene.

This production marks a milestone for Dubai, showcasing its capacity to host world-class cultural events and contribute significantly to the global entertainment landscape. With its ambitious vision and talented team, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is set to be a transformative event that celebrates the essence of Dubai on a global stage.